2002 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 711 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 32 involved a crash and 71 involved a fire. 75 people were injured and 10 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 7, 2014
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
Campaign 14E007000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderMar 29, 2007
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
Campaign 07E023000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchFeb 20, 2007
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 07V063000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchMay 24, 2006
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CRUISE CONTROLS, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING SAFETY RECALLS 03V-265 OR 04V-096.
THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 06V183000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, hazard flashing warning lights, switchDec 16, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HAZARD SWITCH AND FLASHER SYSTEM FUNCTION MAY DEGRADE OVER TIME BECAUSE OF DISTORTION AND MATERIAL TRANSFER OF THE CONTACTS OF CERTAIN HAZARD SWITCH RELAYS WHICH OCCURS DUE TO SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED ELECTRICAL CURRENT LOAD FROM HIGHER WATTAGE TURN SIGNAL BULBS.
THIS MAY RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER FUNCTION.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 04V584000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchFeb 20, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION.
IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY 06V-183. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD A REMEDY PERFORMED UNDER THIS RECALL SHOULD RETURN TO THEIR DEALER FOR THE REDESIGNED REMEDY. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 04V096000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipJan 31, 2002
ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS).
THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 02V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
711 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Apr 20, 2008
IN REGARDS TO INVESTIGATION DP05004, I ALSO EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM ABOUT 2 1/2 YEARS AGO. MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA ENGINE LOST POWER, AND STALLED. WHEN THE DEALER CHECKED MY CAR THEY SAID IT WAS MY IGNITION COIL AND DIDN'T INFORM ME THAT THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION. I WAS TOLD I HAD TO PAY FOR THE COILS, WHICH I DID. I HAVE A COPY OF MY PAPERWORK FOR THE REPAIRS. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO? *TR
Air bags, Apr 15, 2008
WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND MY SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOY FOR NO REASON. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING THERE IS NO DAMAGE DONE TO MY CAR NOR BEEN IN A ACCIDENT. WENT TO VW SOUTHERN STATES AND WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR ONLY HAS A 50,000 MILE WARRANTY AND THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE CAR TO GET FIXED. ABOUT 3,000 DOLLARS HE SAID..... *TR
Seats, Mar 27, 2008, fire
ON MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER HAS BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT PADDING, SEAT COVER AND THE JACKET I WAS WEARING. I HAVE SEEN REPORTS OF SIMILAR ISSUES WITH THE JETTAS ON VARIOUS WEBSITE FORUMS. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Mar 10, 2008
I INADVERTENTLY HIT A POT HOLE. THE POT HOLE WAS PROBABLY A LITTLE DEEPER THAN MOST. THE DRIVER'S SIDE-CURTAIN AIRBAG, THE SEAT SIDE AIRBAG AND THE SEATBELT TENSIONER WERE DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THERE WAS NO IMMEDIATE DANGER TO ME. I DID NOT LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR EVEN WITH THE STARTLING DEPLOYMENT OF THE SAFETY SYSTEMS. I WAS TOLD BY THE GUY IN ONE OF THE BODY SHOPS THAT I WENT TO TO GET ESTIMATES THAT VWS AND BMWS ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR "TOUCHY" AIRBAG SYSTEMS. I DO NOT THINK THAT IT IS REASONABLE TO HAVE A $2700 REPAIR BILL, THE INCONVENIENCE OF ALL OF THE LEGWORK TO GET MY CAR FIXED OR THE TEMPORARY NON-FUNCTIONING OF MY CAR'S SAFETY SYSTEM JUST FROM HITTING A POT HOLE! I AM WORKING ON A CLAIM AND HAVE NOT YET HAD THE CAR REPAIRED. PARTS LISTED AS BEING NECESSARY TO REPLACE ARE: SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, SEAT SIDE AIRBAG, SEAT BELT/TENSIONER ASSEMBLY, SEAT COVER, A-PILLAR TRIM, HEADLINER, SAIL PANEL TRIM, AIRBAG SENSOR AND AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE. ALSO, THE CAR WILL NEED TO BE PLUGGED INTO A COMPUTER ANALYZER IN ORDER THAT THE AIRBAG CODES BE RESET. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 3, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE NEAR THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS ELECTRICAL AND CAUSED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO MALFUNCTION. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT IT WAS THE CONTACT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,260 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 11, 2008
THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR WARNING LIGHT COMES ON DURING COOL AND COLD WEATHER AND STAYS ON TILL THE ENGINE IS WARMED UP. AT WHICH TIME, IF THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED, THE WARNING LIGHT WILL REMAIN OUT. THERE ARE NO CODES LISTED IN THE ECU. THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED CONTINUOUSLY SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IN JUNE 2005. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 6, 2008
2002 TDI VW JETTA . HAD FOR 1.5 YEARS ENGINE BLEW AT 70K ON IT .. TOOK TO SEACOAST VW IN NH FIRST SAID MIGHT BE SLUDGE LATER SAID WAS A CHAIN THAT SLIPPED CAUSED ENGINE TO BLOW AND METAL PIECES TO BE THROUGHOUT. CALLED VW FIRST SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT AND THEN SEND THEM RECEIPTS. WHEN NOT ABLE TO AFFORD THE THOUSANDS IT WOULD COST TALKED TO THEM AGAIN SPOKE TO ALICIA AT VW AND SHE CALLED SEACOAST VW IN NH THEN CALLED AND STATE IT WOULD BE COVERED. WENT ABOUT HAVING IT TOWED TO VW DEALERSHIP TO GET FIXED. WHEN CALLED AGAIN WAS TOLD WOULDN'T COVER IT BUT WOULD GIVE ME 1000 DOLLARS OFF THE PRICE OF THE REPAIR VALID FOR 30 DAYS .. ENGINE STILL BLOWN CAR STILL SITTING IN GARAGE BEEN TRYING TO GET FIXED SINCE APRIL OF 2007 .SEEMS TO BE A COMMON THING WITH VW THAT HAVE MAJOR ENGINE PROBLEMS WITHOUT LOTS OF MILEAGE. *TR
Power train, Jan 26, 2008
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. REPORTED 15 FAULTS ON COMPUTER WHICH WENT ON DETECTED TWO MONTHS PRIOR. NO WARNING SIGNAL CAME ON TO NOTIFY DRIVER OF ENGINE PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Diesel, Jan 20, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 JETTA GLS TDI. I AM CONSTANTLY REPLACING GLOW PLUGS. HAVE A COOLANT TEMP CODE READING FOR QUITE SOME TIME AND ALSO FUEL INJECTION PUMP, WHICH IS PROBABLY WHAT IS CAUSING GLOW PLUGS TO GO BAD. *TR
Air bags, Jan 10, 2008
AS I ENTERED A PARKING GARAGE AND PICKED UP A PARKING TICKET MY PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE HIT THE CURB AND MY PASSENGER SIDE SEAT AND CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I JUST GOT MY PARKING TICKET AND WAS TURNING FROM A DEAD STOP SO I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN TRAVELING MORE THAN 2 MILES PER HOUR. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS AN ACCIDENT BUT THERE IS NOT DAMAGE TO THE TIRE OR WHEEL OTHER THAN A SCUFF MARK ON THE TIRE WHERE IT RUBBED ON THE CURB. I HAVE CONTACED VW OF AMERICA AND THE INITIAL RESPONSE IS THAT THEY CONSIDER IT AN ACCIDENT NOT A MECHANICAL FAILURE. THE INITIAL REPSONSE FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS THAT IT IS A MECHANICAL FAILURE AND VW IS AT FAULT. BASED ON RESEARCH, MORE THAN 500 SIMILAR INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE NHTSA, AND IT IS COMMON KNOWLEDGE THAT ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF THE POPULATION REPORT PROBLEMS TO THE NHTSA. I WELCOME ANY ADDITIONAL INSIGHT THAT YOU CAN PROVIDE. THANK YOU. *TR
Exterior lighting, Dec 26, 2007
MY 2002 VW JETTA EXPERIENCED A RECALL PROBLEM (N4, BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH) AND I FIXED IT THROUGH A NEAREST MECHANIC BECAUSE 1) THE CLOSEST VW DEALER IS 100 MILE AWAY 2) I WAS SCARE TO DRIVE 100 MILE ON HIGHWAY WITHOUT A PROPER BRAKE LIGHT. HOWEVER, VW REFUSED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPAIRS SINCE I FIXED IT THROUGH AN INDEPENDENT FACILITY. I AM SO SAD AND DISAPPOINTED THAT VW IS NOT CONSIDERING DIVERS LIFE AND SAFETY SERIOUSLY AND IS WILLING TO PUSH US TO DRIVE HUNDRED MILES WITH A RECALLED CAR WITHOUT A BRAKE LIGHT. *TR
Air bags, Dec 25, 2007, crash
THE 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WAS INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CAR CONTAINS A LOT OF AIR BAGS. FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER AND SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN THE CRASH EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE CAR HAD BEEN HIT FROM THE SIDE AND THEN THE CAR HIT A CONCRETE BARRIER FROM THE FRONT AFTER THE CAR HAD SPUN. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 13, 2007
NO EVENTS LEAD TO THIS PROBLEM. THE ORIGINAL BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE WAS CHANGED OUT DUE ITS AGE. OVER THE PAST 4 MONTHS I HAVE CHANGED OUT THE BATTERY TWICE. ON MORE THAN AT LEAST 20 DIFFERENT TIMES, I WOULD GO TO MY VEHICLE IN THE MORNING TO START IT UP AND THE BATTERY WOULD BE COMPLETELY DEAD. NO LIGHTS, RADIO OR ANY OTHER DEVICES WERE LEFT ON IN THE VEHICLE, TO DRAIN THE ENTIRE BATTERY TO NOTHING WITHIN THE SPAN OF 10-12 HOURS. I HAVE TAKEN IT THE AUTO SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO HAVE A VOLTAGE TEST DONE ON THE BATTERY, ALTERNATOR AND STARTER WITH NEGATIVE RESULTS EVERY TIME FOR A PARASITIC DRAIN OF THE BATTERY. THE ALTERNATOR IS IN PERFECT WORKING ORDER AND DOES NOT NEED REPLACING. SO FAR THE HAS BEEN NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE OTHER THAN JUMP START THE VEHICLE. DURING THE 10 OR SO HOURS I AM WORK AND LEAVE FOR THE DAY, I HAVE HAD ABSOLUTELY NO ISSUES. IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVEN OVER THE WEEKEND, COME MONDAY MORNING IT IS DEAD. I HAVE JUST RECENTLY CHANGED OUT THE BATTERY AND THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH IT BUT YET ITS DEAD IF LEFT FOR MORE THAN 12 HOURS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Dec 8, 2007
VOLKSWAGENS USE OF CHEAP PLASTICS ON THE OIL STICK OF MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA CAUSED PLASTIC FROM THE OIL STICK TO FALL INTO MY MOTOR AND CAUSE MOTOR DAMAGE INCLUDING AN OIL LEAK AND EURASIAN AUTO SERVICE IN PANAMA CITY ALREADY HAS A VW PRODUCT THAT IS BROKEN DOWN IN THEIR SHOP, AND EVEN VOLKSWAGENS OWN SERVICE MANAGER IN PANAMA CITY, MIKE BOATWRIGHT, TOLD VW THEY SHOULD AUTHORIZE HIM TO MAKE THE REPAIRS BUT THEY REFUSED, THE OSTENSIBLY LOWEST BID PLASTICS USED FOR THE 2002 VW'S ALSO CAUSED MIKE BOATWRIGHT TO ASK THAT VW REPLACE MY HEADLIGHT LENSES AS THEY ARE CREATING A TRAFFIC HAZARD, AND NOT ONLY IS THIS NATIONWIDE, BUT MALLORY HORNE OF THE FLORIDA DMV WHO REFERRED ME TO YOU WROTE TO ME THAT " YOUR COMPLAINT HAS NOT FALLEN ON DEAF EARS, I JUST GOT RID OF MY VOLKSWAGEN JETTA FOR THE SAME HEADLIGHT PROBLEM" AND I WILL BE HAPPY TO MAIL YOU A COPY IN SUPPORT OF MY COMPLAINT, ALSO WALMART'S SERVICE MANAGER IN CALLAWAY FLORIDA IS THE PERSON WHO FOUND THAT MY CAR IS NOW LEAKING OIL DUE TO VOLKSWAGEN FAILING TO REPAIR THE MOTOR AND HE SAYS THAT HE SAW THE SAME VOLKSWAGEN PROBLEM IN NEW ENGLAND AT HIS PREVIOUS JOB (SCOTT). ALSO THE CHEAP PLASTICS USED ON MY CAR THAT CAUSED THESE SAFETY TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS, WERE USED ON THE GLOVE BOX LOCK WHICH IS BROKEN AND THE RADIO AERIAL WHICH IS BROKEN. THE FIRST 2002 VW I WAS GIVEN BROKE DOWN IN TRAFFIC IN THE DARK AND WAS EXCHANGED THE FOLLOWING DAY. SO THERE ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH WITNESSES THAT THE 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTAS SHOULD BE RECALLED, ME, JERRY P CARROLL, MIKE BOATWRIGHT, REGGIE AT EURASIAN, MALLORY HORNE, AND SCOTT AT WALMART, IN ADDITION THERE ARE MANY STUDENTS AT MY COLLEGE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WHO ARE IN HOPE THAT YOU WILL HELP THEM ALSO. BREAKING DOWN IN TRAFFIC WITH LIMITED HEADLIGHTS IS A NATIONAL SAFETY CRISIS, AS FAR AS DEATHS AND INJURIES, ENTERING ZERO ONLY MEANS THAT VW HAS MANAGED SO FAR TO CONCEAL ANY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 10, 2007
I HAVE A VW JETTA 2002 I WANTED TO KNOW WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT RECALLS THAT I HAD NO NOTICE OF AND PAID TO HAVE THE ITEM REPAIRED. ALSO WHAT ABOUT ALL THOSE TECHNICAL BULLETINS FOR MY VEHICLE. IF THERE IS AN ISSUE CONCERNING CONTINUING PROBLEMS WITH THE MALFUNCTION LIGHT INDICATOR THAT CONTINUES TO COME ON BUT THE AUTHORIZED VW REPAIR SHOP CAN'T FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. THEY SAY THEY CAN NOT GET THE CAR TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM WHEN I BRING IT IN. ALTHOUGH THEY CONTINUALLY TEST DRIVE IT. *TR
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 8, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE VEHICLE DOOR, THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT SMELLED LIKE MELTED CRAYONS. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE SMELL ORIGINATED FROM THE CARPETING AND THE SOUNDPROOFING MATERIAL IN THE DOOR AND THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ODOR. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE AT THAT TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR A WEEK AND WASHED THE COILS; HOWEVER, THEY TOO COULD NOT LOCATE THE SOURCE OF THE SMELL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,800 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 6, 2007
THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR CAME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING AND EVEN THOUGH IT WAS SEEMINGLY SHUT PROPERLY WHEN AT A STOP. ASIDE FROM THE LOUD ROAD NOISE, THE "DOOR'S AJAR" DING WOULD STARTLE ME, PARTICULARLY WHEN AT HIGH SPEED ON THE (RELATIVELY SMOOTH) HIGHWAYS. I HAVE TO SLAM THE DOOR SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO GET THE DINGING TO STOP. WHENEVER THE DOOR RATTLED LOOSE ON THE HIGHWAY (WHICH WAS UNPREDICTABLE), I WAS WORRIED THAT IT WAS GOING TO FLY OPEN. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO ATTEMPT TO CLOSE IT. I PAID $550 TO HAVE THE DOOR LOCK REPLACED (IT WAS THE HARDWARE, NOT THE ELECTRONIC LOCKS, WHICH FUNCTIONED NORMALLY THROUGHOUT THE ORDEAL). NOW, ONLY 2 YEARS LATER, I'M HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, AND THE DEALER SAYS THAT NEITHER THEIR REPAIRS NOR THE REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Seats, Nov 1, 2007, fire
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WARMER CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVER AND DRIVERS COAT WAS BURNED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 29, 2007
VEHICLE IS A 2002 TDI JETTA GLS 4 DOOR SEDAN MANUAL TRANSMISSION. AT ABOUT 29,000 MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH AND OBD 2 CODE OF (P0128 COOLANT THERMOSTAT-COOLANT TEMPERATURE BELOW THERMOSTAT REGULATING TEMPERATURE). TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER WHICH REPLACED THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR AND COOLANT FLUID. THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM WHICH RECURRED. I THEN DID RESEARCH AND FOUND VW TECH BULLETIN 4-04 WHICH ADDRESSES THIS PROBLEM AND IS INTENDED TO GUIDE TECHNICIAN TROUBLESHOOTING. I FEEL THIS IS EITHER A PARTS DESIGN DEFECT, ENGINEERING FLAW, OR VEHICLE WIRING ASSEMBLY DEFECT. IT IS NOT A NORMAL MAINTENANCE OR WEAR AND TEAR ISSUE. DEALER IS ATTEMPTING SECOND ROUND OF TROUBLESHOOTING FOR THIS PROBLEM. REQUEST NHTSA ASSESS OTHER VEHICLE OWNERS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND PURSUE A RECALL FOR THIS VW KNOWN PROBLEM/DEFECT AS VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY BUT THIS PROBLEM IS KNOWN TO OCCUR FOR THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Oct 22, 2007
I HAVE A 2002 VW JETTA GL 2.0. IT ONLY HAS 83,000 MILES ON IT AND THE TRANSMISSION IS ACTING UP ON IT ALREADY. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE ONLY SUGGESTION THEY COULD GIVE ME IS TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION($3K - $6K) I HAVE READ THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE 2002 MODEL YEARS PERTAINING TO THE TRANSMISSION. MINE WON'T SHIFT FROM PARK INTO REVERSE, I HAVE TO GO FROM PARK TO DRIVE, LET IT SHIFT, THEN FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE, AND THAT SOMETIMES TAKES THREE OR FOUR TRIES. WHILE DRIVING IF I AM AT A STOP LIGHT, WHEN I BEGIN TO ACCELERATE, THERE IS A PAUSE BETWEEN WHEN I PRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND THE GIANT LUNGE FORWARD THE CAR MAKES AS IT SHIFTS INTO GEAR. IT ALSO SHIFTS VERY HARD BETWEEN ALL GEARS WHILE DRIVING. *JB
Air bags, Oct 14, 2007
I WAS DRIVING LESS THAN 10 MPH THROUGH A PARKING LOT, PULLING INTO A SPOT WHEN MY SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. I SAW THAT THERE IS AN EXISTING COMPLAINT (NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : PE04081) OUTLINING THIS EXACT PROBLEM. WHEN I GOT OUT OF MY CAR TO INSPECT I FOUND THAT I HAD HIT NOTHING. THERE WAS NO IMPACT, NOT EVEN A SCRATCH. THE REPAIR IS PENDING WITH MY LOCAL VW DEALER. I AM NOT YET SURE WHO WILL FINANCIALLY BE RESPONSIBLE. *TR
Power train, Oct 14, 2007
I PURCHASED MY DAUGHTER A BRAND NEW 2002 VW JETTA, AND MOST RECENTLY SHE HAS HAD SOME MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH HER VEHICLE. THIS WAS HER1ST VEHICLE AND I TAUGHT HER THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR MAINT OF HER VEHICLE. BUT AS I STATED ABOVE IT APPEARS THAT HER EFFORTS HAVE BEEN FOR NOT. IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE VW DEALERSHIP 3 XS, AND IT IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER, ALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, THE VEHCILE HARD JERKING WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHCILE TURNING OFF AT A STOP SIGN OR LIGHT AND WHEN SHE IS TOPPED IN A TURNING LANE - WHICH IS OF COURSE THE MOST DANGEROUS CONCERN OF MINE ESPECIALLY IF IT DIES OUT WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE 1ST TWO VISITS THE DEALER STATED THEY FOUND NO PROBLEM. THIS VISIT (THE 3RD) TO DEALER MY DAUGHTER DROVE THE SERVICE MGR IN THE VEHICLE & HE WITNESSED THE PROBLEM. WE RECIEVED A CALL SAYING THEY NEEDED TO LOOK AT A DIAGNOSTIC OF THE TRANSMISSION WHICH OF COURSE WOULD BE AT A COST OF $330 REGARDLESS OF WHAT WAS FOUND! ( A VW RIP OFF ) & AS I SUSPECTED THE DIAGONISTIC CAME BACK REQUIRING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF $3800 (WARRANTY EXP OCT 06), SHE HAS 60K+ MILES . I AM IN SHOCK I HAVE OWNED OVER10 BRAND NEW AUTOS IN MY LIFETIME, & HAVE NEVER HAD A TRANSMISSION REPLACED ALL EXCEEDING 85K MILES. I BEGAN EDUCATING MYSELF WHICH LED ME TO YOUR WEB SITE TO REVIEW EITHER RECALLS OR OTHER COMPAINTS & TO MY SURPRISE I FOUND A LARGE NUMBER OF THE SAME COMPLAINT . BUT IT APPEARS THAT IF THERE HAS BEEN NO INJURIES YET OR DEATHS THE NUMBER DOES NOT MAKE A DIFF. I AM REGISTERING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE MY NEXT ACTION WILL BE TO AN ATTORNEY, THE IDEA THAT I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL MY CHILD IS INJURED OR POSSIBLY KILLED BEFORE THE NHTSA WILL CONSIDER THIS AS A PROBLEM IS AMAZING TO ME. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 6, 2007
BRAKE BOOSTER IS FAILING AFTER USE IN TRAFFIC. THE BRAKE PEDAL SLOWLY SINKS AND WHEN LIGHTLY TAPPED, IT SLAMS TO THE FLOOR. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, A LOUD SUCTION CAN BE HEARD INSIDE THE CAR, AND THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED FULLY. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS AFTER BRAKES ARE USED SOME TIME, SAY IN A TRAFFIC JAM. THERE IS A SITE, TDICLUB.COM, WHICH HAS FORUMS WHERE MANY PEOPLE TALK ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ON THEIR 2002 MODEL YEAR VW JETTA. THE DANGER IS THAT THE BRAKES COME ON FULLY, WHICH STARTLES NOT ONLY THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER(S), BUT THE VEHICLES THAT ARE FOLLOWING. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM (BRAKE BOOSTER FAILURE) BUT CAN BE REPLICATED IF THE BRAKES ARE USED HEAVILY. WHEN THE PROBLEM STARTS TO HAPPEN, IT WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE BRAKES ARE NOT USED FOR QUITE SOME TIME. ONCE THIS STARTED HAPPENING TODAY, VIRTUALLY EVERY OTHER APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES CAUSED THE SYMPTOMS ABOVE. THIS OCCURRED ABOUT SEVEN TIMES THIS DAY. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING INTERMITTENTLY FOR A FEW YEARS. *TR
Seats, Sep 27, 2007
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, I HEARD A VERY LARGE "CRACK" SOUND AND FELT MY SEAT SHUDDER. THE SOUND AND IMPACT MADE ME THINK THAT SOMETHING HAD STRUCK THE CAR UNDER MY SEAT. HOWEVER, WHEN I RETURNED HOME, I DISCOVERED THAT A SPRING ATTACHED TO MY SEAT HAD DISLODGE. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED THAT ONE OF THE PLACES WHERE THE SPRING CONNECTED HAD BROKEN OFF - APPARENTLY METAL FATIGUE. THIS STRUCK ME ODD BECAUSE WHILE CLEANING MY CAR EARLIER IN THE SUMMER, I HAD NOTICED THAT A SPRING WAS LOOSE UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT AND ALSO FOUND THE NUB OF WHERE IT ATTACHED. I HAVE KEPT BOTH PIECES AND THE SPRINGS. I THINK THERE IS A STRUCTURAL DEFECT WITH THE PART. I AM NOT A VERY HEAVY PERSON - 180 LBS - SO I DOUBT I PUT THAT MUCH STRESS ON THE SEAT. I THINK THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ISSUE AND THAT IS WHY I AM REPORTING IT. WHEN THE SYSTEM FAILED I SWERVED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AS THE SOUND WAS INCREDIBLY UNNERVING. I ALSO NOW WONDER ABOUT THE SEATS STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY IF IT WERE INVOLVED IN A COLLISION.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 17, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. HE HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MILEAGE EXCEEDED THE WARRANTY. THE MIL LIGHT HAS BEEN ILLUMINATED SINCE MAY OF 2007 DUE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED TWICE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BOTH TIMES THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 118,500. UPDATED 12/12/07